Here's this weekend's batch free of commentary since I'm knee deep in work.
Have a good weekend.
Secrets Of Great Characters, According To 6 Science Fiction Authors
Amazing stories need great characters. And when you're writing a story set in a futuristic or fantastical world, it's more important than ever for readers to be able to relate to your characters. It's also harder than ever, because your characters' lives and experiences will be totally different than your readers'. How do you make people identify with someone who lives in the future, or on another planet? How can your main character stand out, against a bizarre and colorful backdrop? We asked six great science fiction authors for their advice.
Inside the Blogosphere: Science fiction and fantasy's bedroom antics
In science fiction and fantasy, should sex be included in the narrative or not? Should there be different standards for its inclusion in young adult or adult literature? John Ottinger throws the thorny question to a panel of leading scifi bloggers. What should those standards be? What are your personal standards and why?
Good Night, Sweet Phoenix
Five months ago, it landed on the Martian surface — and into our hearts. It gave us soil analysis data, photos of the sky from the red planet, and even hope of extraterrestrial life. Now, with its power deteriorating, its sunlight exposure shrinking, and Martian temperatures dropping to almost -100°C, the Phoenix lander's time may be up.
Will eBooks Kill Book Sales?
The debate on whether eBooks will kill book sales continues.
How to solve all your naming dilemmas
Writing advice.
Spacecraft Force Field Could Protect Mars-Bound Astronauts
Fusion researchers in the United Kingdom, Portugal and Sweden have demonstrated the feasibility of a force field that could be used to protect astronauts on their way to Mars from radiation in space.